The USC Trojans are gearing up for the 2026 season, and one player who could make a significant impact is Kameryn Crawford, a defensive end who has been steadily rising through the ranks. With a raw talent that could make him a nationally recognized playmaker, Crawford is poised to take his game to the next level. Here's a breakdown of why he's so important to the team's success.
Crawford's journey to becoming a top-tier defensive end began with his raw talent as a high school athlete. He was a force to be reckoned with, capable of running through and by opponents, but it took time for him to adapt to the collegiate level. During his freshman year, he played in only one of the first six games and had played only 19 defensive snaps through seven games. However, things began to click when Anthony Lucas suffered a season-ending injury, and Crawford took over in the starting lineup for the final four games.
That breakthrough performance gave Crawford the confidence he needed going into the offseason, and he won the starting job to open the last season. He had a strong start, collecting at least a half sack in each of the first three games. However, he struggled against the run in a loss to Illinois, leading to him being replaced by Braylan Shelby in the starting lineup for the next five games. Despite this setback, Crawford worked his way back into the starting lineup for the final three games, and he ended the season on a high note, recording a career-high seven tackles, including a career-high 2.5 for loss with a career-best two sacks.
Crawford's overall performance was solid for a sophomore, but it wasn't spectacular. The gap between his performance and that of the pass rush bookended the season when they were fresh with what they did in the middle of the Big Ten schedule. This is an area that needs to be addressed, as Shaun Nua, the defensive coordinator, believes the team needs to do more.
Nua is excited about the upcoming season, as he believes the defensive end/edge rusher position has more talented bodies. He thinks the team has a lot more depth, even if the bottom part of the depth is made up of younger players. If the Trojans can go deeper than a three-man rotation for two spots, it should lighten the every-down load from Crawford and Shelby, keeping them fresher during the meat of the Big Ten schedule. This should allow the ends to feast coming off the edge, as the interior can create more pass-rush pressure.
Crawford's potential is clear, and Nua believes he's capable of doing it all. When he's dialed in, Nua knows exactly what he is on the edge. However, the team needs to ensure that Crawford's mental and confidence levels are not affected, as this is a major focus for the coaching staff. If Crawford can maintain his focus and confidence, he has double-digit sack potential.
In conclusion, Kameryn Crawford is a key player for the USC Trojans in the 2026 season. With his raw talent and steady improvement, he has the potential to become a nationally recognized playmaker. The team needs to address the gap between his performance and that of the pass rush, but with the right support and focus, Crawford could make a significant impact on the team's success.
